The Tick While Hiking in Germany

Tick-borne Encephalitis / FSME after a Tick Bite in Southern Germany

Tick-borne encephalitis has not been given the German name Frühsommer Meningo-Encephalitis (FSME) for nothing. The disease is common in Central Europe in countries such as Germany, Switzerland, Austria, the Czech Republic, Poland, and some surrounding areas.
This disease is a form of brain inflammation and occurs especially frequently in natural areas in the south of Germany. FSME is transmitted by ticks, and these creatures are primarily found in nature. If infected with this virus, fever and flu can occur. One in three people also experience brain inflammation, which is accompanied by headaches, dizziness, and stiffness of the neck, shoulders, and back. One percent of those infected die from this disease, which is mainly contracted from March to November. There is no antibiotic against the disease, but vaccination is possible. This vaccine is recommended for people who are often in the German wilderness.

Germany and Lyme Disease

Just like the Netherlands, Germany is full of ticks that can infect people with Lyme disease. Ixodes Ricinus, the tick that spreads this disease, hides in tall grasses, bushes, trees, and plants. Particularly in the German natural areas, you need to be very careful.
If a red circular spot appears at the site of the tick bite, this is a symptom of Lyme disease. After infection, fever and flu develop. In a later stage, joints, the nervous system, and the heart can be affected. The disease can even lead to death if it is not (properly) treated. Lyme disease can be cured with a course of antibiotics.